ALMOST 4,000 workers could lose their jobs after the footwear group behind Barratts and Priceless Shoes went into administration yesterday, for the second time in two years.

Retail experts said that stand-alone shoe shops were struggling to compete with supermarkets []

As well as 191 high street shops across Britain, the Barratts Priceless Group operates 371 concessions, including those in Debenhams stores.

About 3,840 jobs are at risk unless a buyer for the company, badly hit by the economic downturn, can be found.

In 2009 the Bradford-based retailer was rescued by a management buyout. Then, 220 shops were closed down to safeguard 3,000 jobs and 160 outlets.Barratts’ administer Deloitte said yesterday: “Barratts and Priceless Shoes have faced a downturn in trading as a result of the difficult economic ­conditions. This has been exacerbated by unseasonably mild weather which resulted in fewer sales across new winter lines.”

About 3,840 jobs are at risk unless a buyer for the company, badly hit by the economic downturn, can be found

Barratts Shoes

Retail experts said that stand-alone shoe shops were struggling to compete with supermarkets selling cut-price footwear along with clothes.

Nick Bubb, an analyst at Arden Partners, said: “Barratts were competing with the supermarkets and clothing retailers selling shoes. Footwear is increasingly bought with clothing now.”